A thumbs-up has been given by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to the California High-Speed Rail Authority, allowing it to continue finishing its environmental reviews required as part of its first phase and federal environmental laws.
“This action is an important milestone for the high-speed rail program,” Authority CEO Brian Kelly said. “This allows the Authority to complete the environmental review process more efficiently while still maintaining the same level of review with multiple opportunities for public input and collaboration. We’ve lost valuable time waiting with the FRA’s disengagement, so I am very thankful for this action, and I am hopeful this step is the beginning of a more collaborative and cooperative relationship prospectively. We both gain from a strong partnership.”
The California High-Speed Rail Authority represents what is meant to be the first high-speed rail system in the United States. When finished, proponents hope that it will connect San Francisco and Los Angeles, though it has been plagued by delays and received increased scrutiny after being targeted by President Donald Trump.
However, with NEPA assignment, the Authority will now be able to approve environmental documents linked to the program and continue its requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act. Construction progress will continue in California’s Central Valley as the Authority finalizes its route decisions and works to meet federal grant commitments.
“This is welcome news for the State of California and the High-Speed Rail program,” California State Transportation Agency Secretary David Kim said. “The ability for us to conduct this environmental review and move the project forward will enable momentum and continued progress on this transformative mobility project. We commend the FRA for taking this much-needed action.”